How does the service work?
When a woman is put in touch with Lantern someone will come for an informal chat so that she can outline her situation, find out more about the Project and decide if she wants support and if so how the Project might help. If she does decide she wants some support she is then matched up with a volunteer who will act as her mentor for as long as she needs support. She will control how that support works..
Who can refer people to the Project?
Absolutely anyone – from police, social services, health agencies, housing, schools, former clients of Lantern, to friends and neighbours. Women are more than welcome to make the first contact themselves.
Who can be given support by the Lantern Project?
The Project can support women who are being or have been subjected to domestic abuse and who are living in Bartley Green, Weoley Castle, Northfield, Selly Oak, Longbridge, Bournville and Quinton Wards of South West Birmingham.
Do I have to tell my mentor everything?
No you control how much and what you tell her but she will need to know enough to be able to help. The service is confidential but there are some things that we do have to tell other people about and you will be told about those before we start talking to you.
Why does Lantern use mentoring to support people?
Mentoring was chosen because it is based on the fact that people are capable of doing or achieving whatever they want – they just need to get from A to B a bit faster than they might do on their own. Mentors are there to help women stop listening to what their abusers keep telling them and realise that they can make their own decisions and manage without him. They can also help with finding specialist help and advice etc.
What if I stop having support and then later decide that I need it again?
All you do is contact Lantern again. We do not need an explanation of why you left and we will not make any judgements about that or why you want to return – we are here to help when you need it. |
Is the service confidential?
Yes, as far as possible, we keep everything you say to us within the Project confidential. There are, however, three exceptions to this. We are legally bound to report or get advice on:
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Any concerns we may have about the welfare/protection of children
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Any criminal activity being carried out by a woman or her partner – especially if other people are likely to be harmed.
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A woman who says she is going to commit suicide
Remember you control how much you tell us. If you divulge any of the above we will assume that you want to help you deal with these issues
If we need to share information with other agencies we will ask for your consent first.
What happens if I don’t get on with the mentor who is working with me?
You must let Hayley (Mentor-Co-ordinator) or Judy (Project Manager) know straight away. We do try to match people as closely as possible but it is not an exact science and just because you do not get on with one volunteer does not mean that you will have the same problem with another one. This is no-one’s fault – some relationships work and some don’t.
Are records kept about me and if so can I see them and how are they kept?
Yes we do keep some records about you but and they are held in a secure cabinet in our office in Selly Oak. You can see them any time if you contact us. Your mentor will keep limited records about the work being done and how you are progressing but they will only have your case number on them and no personal details so that if they get lost nothing can be traced back to you.
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